A royal saga

Best Bet

On Stage

January 18, 2001|By J. Wynn Rousuck

Washington's Shakespeare Theatre returns to the work of the 18th-century German writer Friedrich Schiller with "Don Carlos," currently in previews and opening Monday. Like Schiller's "Mary Stuart," which the theater produced a decade ago, "Don Carlos" is a historical drama. It's based on the tragic life of the son of King Philip II of Spain. Director Michael Kahn calls it a play as complex as the work of Shakespeare.

Playing the title role is Robert Sella, who starred in "Angels in America" at the Mechanic Theatre and last appeared at the Shakespeare Theatre in "Mourning Becomes Electra."

King Philip II and his third queen, Elizabeth, are played by Ted van Griethuysen and Enid Graham. The set is by frequent Kahn collaborator Ming Cho Lee, who is also represented in Washington by his remounted Tony Award-winning design for "K2" at Arena Stage.

Show times at the Shakespeare Theatre, 450 7th St. N.W., Washington, are 7:30 p.m. most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with matinees at 2 p.m. Saturdays and most Sundays, and noon March 7. The play runs through March 11. Tickets are $14.25-$62. Call 202-547-1122.